Reading Quiz: How to React to Familiar Faces

What is the primary reason Umberto Eco initially feels the need to greet the man he sees in New York?

• He recognizes the man as a famous Hollywood actor.

• The man calls out Eco's name from a distance.

• The face is so familiar that Eco feels it would be rude not to acknowledge him.

• He wants to ask the man for a professional favor.

Which word best describes the author's tone in the passage?

• Hostile

• Reflective and analytical

• Awe-struck

• Sorrowful

What does the author mean by the phrase "A face out of context creates confusion"?

• It is difficult to recognize people when they are wearing disguises.

• People often look different in person than they do on television screens.

• Seeing someone from home in a foreign city makes it harder to place their identity.

• Famous people should not walk in public places without security.

Based on the text, what is the "syndrome" that even students of mass communication are not immune to?

• The inability to remember the names of famous actors.

• Treating celebrities as personal acquaintances because of their constant media presence.

• Feeling fear when encountering a stranger in a large city.

• The desire to become famous and appear on television panels.

Which piece of evidence from the text best supports the idea that people treat celebrities as if they aren't "real"?

• Eco saw Anthony Quinn heading in his direction.

• People speak about the celebrity in a loud voice as if the person cannot hear them.

• Umberto Eco was strolling in New York a few months ago.

• The man was looking at the opposite side of the street.

What is the author’s primary purpose in writing this essay?

• To complain about the rudeness of fans in New York City.

• To explain how mass media blurs the line between the imaginary and the real.

• To provide a guide on how to properly greet a celebrity.

• To share his personal friendship with Anthony Quinn.

In the text, the author uses the term "guinea pigs" to refer to:

• Animals used for scientific testing.

• Celebrities who are constantly watched by the public.

• Public figures and experts who have shared their experiences of being recognized with him.

• Students of mass communication studying the media.

What can be inferred from Eco’s reaction of "staring into space" when he passes Anthony Quinn?

• He was suddenly bored by the encounter.

• He was trying to hide the fact that he had almost mistakenly greeted a stranger.

• He did not actually recognize the actor until he had already passed.

• He was offended by Anthony Quinn's presence.

According to the text, how does the public's behavior toward a "famous face" differ from their behavior toward a "customer at a counter"?

• They are much more polite to the famous face.

• They ignore the customer but follow the famous person.

• They would never point at or loudly discuss a customer, but they do so with celebrities.

• They treat both exactly the same way to maintain social norms.

What does the word "radiant" modify in the sentence: "I was just about to break into a broad, radiant smile"?

• The author's mood

• The author's face

• The smile

• Anthony Quinn